9.3

CVE-2017-8464: Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVSS: 9.3v2.0HighKEVAnalyzed
Published 15-06-2017Last modified 21-10-2025
Open JSON

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2017-8464 is a high (CVSS 9.3) vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 10-02-2022. EPSS estimates a 90.03% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.7% of scored vulnerabilities. 4 public exploits are recorded.

Overall risk
85/100
0100
Critical · default modelHow is this calculated?
CVSS score
9.3/10
010
High · v2.0 (NVD)
EPSS score
90.03%
0%100%
Critical · +0.11 pp in 30 days
KEVListedCISA
RansomwareNone recordedNo known use recorded
Public exploits4exploit-database, metasploit

Timeline

  1. 15-06-2017
    PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
  2. 10-02-2022
    Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Shell (.lnk) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
  3. 10-08-2022
    CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. 21-10-2025
    Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .LNK file, which is not properly handled during icon display in Windows Explorer or any other application that parses the icon of the shortcut. aka "LNK Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

CVSS metrics

3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions

EPSS trend

Probability

90.03%

Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days

Percentile

100%

Versus all other CVEs

30-day change

+0.11 pp

From 89.92% on 18-09-2026

18-09-202618-10-2026
EPSS score
90.03%

Known exploited

Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed
Added
10-02-2022
Federal due date
10-08-2022

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-8464

Public exploits

4 found
  • exploit-databaselocalwindowsUnverified

    Microsoft Windows - '.LNK' Shortcut File Code Execution

    Maturity: poc

  • exploit-databaselocalwindowsUnverified

    Microsoft Windows - '.LNK' Shortcut File Code Execution (Metasploit)

    Maturity: poc

  • MetasploitMetasploitremoteVerified

    LNK Code Execution Vulnerability

    exploit/windows/fileformat/cve_2017_8464_lnk_rce

    Maturity: weaponized

Show all 4 exploits
  • MetasploitMetasploitremoteVerified

    LNK Code Execution Vulnerability

    exploit/windows/local/cve_2017_8464_lnk_lpe

    Maturity: weaponized

Weaknesses

CWE · root cause

No weakness data has been published for this record.

Affected systems

Microsoft6 products
Microsoft corporation1 product
  • windows shellMicrosoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016

2 vendors · 7 products

References

6 links